Firearm.



PATENTED APRQ'M, 1906.

G. W. GRUVER.

FIREARM.

APPLIOATION FILED JULY26.1904.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

Attorneys SIB Witne 52s 5 PATENTED APR. 17, 1906. G. W. GRUVER. FIREARM.

APPLIOATION FILED JULY 25.1904.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

4 lllllg Witnesse a PATENTED APR. 17, 1906 G. W. GRUVER. I

FIREARM.

APPLIOATION FILED JULY 25,1904.

4 SHEETS-SHEET 3 Httomegs Z22 Wi firing Nu? 9N 60 WGIZZVEI Invetr PATENTED APR.17, 1906. i

G. W. GRUVER.

FIREARM.

APPLIOATION FILED JULY 25.1904.

4 SHEETS-SHEET '4.

Htkomegs UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented April 17, 1906.

Application filed July 25, 1904. Serial No. 218,071.

the recoil movement is locked in position and placed under the control of the trigger, so that a movement ofthe trigger is necessary before the breech-block can again reassume firing position at the breech end of the barrel.

A further object of the invention is to construct a firearm of this type in which an integral trigger structure is so arranged as to release the breech-block and permit its return to normal position, a forward movement of the trigger being necessary before the ordi-- nary pull of the trigger for the firing of the cartridge.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a magazine firearm in which the breech block is forced to the rear by the recoil, carrying with it the shell, the rearward movement of the block serving to compress a spring, which afterward on the unlocking of the breech-block forces the same to firing position.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a magazine-firearm in which the delivery of cartridges from the magazine is controlled by a slight lateral movement of the magazine-casing, it being unnecessary to employ the usual extensive fore-arm movement commonly used in firearms of this class.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a magazine firearm in which the magazine may be held in reserve and the weapon broken in the usual manner for the insertion of single cartridges into the breech end of the barrel.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a novel form of magazine in which the operation of inserting the cartridges will wind up a spring that afterward is automatically released by a suitable escapement or ratchet mechanism in order to feed the cartridges successively to position in alinement with the bore.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a firearm which may be folded withfrom the side of the frame.

out separation of the parts, so that it may be conveniently placed in a trunk or case and remainin readiness for instant use.

A- still further object of the invention is to construct a .firearm in which all of the parts may be separated for the making of repairs without the necessity of employing any tools Whatever.

With these and other objects in view, as will more fully hereinafter appear, the invention consists of the-novel construction and arrangement of parts hereinafter fully described, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, and particularly pointed out in the appended claims, it being understood that various changes in the form, proportions, size, and minor details of the structure may be made without departing from the spirit or sacrificing any of the advantages of the invention.

In the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 is an elevation of a firearm constructed in accordance with the invention, illustrating the broken position in dotted lines. Fig. 2 is a view looking from the opposite side of the firearm, the barrel being folded down in a po-- sition approximately parallel with the stock and frame, so that it may be placed in a trunk or small case. Fig. 3 is a lon itudinal sectional elevation of a-portion o the firearm,

principally through the frame, showing the breech-block in the normal position at the breech end of the barrel. Fig. 4 is a similar view of a portion of the same, showing the breech-block in the rearmost position and illustrating also in dotted lines the entrance of a cartridge into the breech end of the bar- I rel. Fig. 5 is a sectional plan View of the breech end of the barrel, illustrating a portion of the breech-block in section and showing a cartridge in firing position. Fig. 6 is a longitudinal sectional view'through a portion of the frame with the parts in the position shown in Fig. 4 and looking from the opposite side of the firearm. Fig. 7 is a sectional plan view of the frame, illustrating the breech block in firing position and showing in dotted lines the manner in which a shell is ejected Fig. 8 is a side elevation of a portion of the frame, illustrating more particularly the mechanism by which the breech-block may be locked from movement when the gun is to be used as a single-loader; Fig. 9 is a sectional plan view of a portion of the same on the line 9 9. of Fig. 8. Fig. 10 is a detail perspective view of end of the magazine and the frame.

the head of the breech-block locking-lever. Fig. 11 is a detail perspective view of the lock detached. Fig. 12 is a similar view or the magazine. Fig. 13 is a detail erspective view looking from the under slde of the breech-block. Fig. 14 is a transverse sectional elevation of the magazine on the line 14 14 of Fig. 3. Fig. 15 is a similar view on the line 15 15 of Fig. 3, illustratin particularly the inner face of the removab e head of the magazine. Fig. 16 is an elevation looking from the opposite side of the head. Fig. 17 is a detail perspective view of the extractor. Fig. 18 is an elevation of the breech end of the barrel looking from the left-hand side of thefirearm and showing in dotted lines the two positions to which the barrel may be moved, one when thefirearmis broken for the insertion of a single cartridge and the other the position assumed by the barrel when the firearm is folded for transportation. Fig. 19 is a detail perspective view of a bolt employed for governing the extent of swinging movement of the barrel. Fig. 20 is a detail view, partly in section, of the trigger detached. Fig. 21 is a detail perspective view of the cartridge-carrier spindle detached. Fig. 22 is a transverse sectional elevation of the casing for containing the return-spring of the breech-block. Fig. 23 is a detail perspective view of one of the cartridge-carrying pockets detached. Fig. 24 is a sectional plan view of a portion of the mechanism, illustrating more particularly the arrangement of the bolt for governing the extent of swinging movement of the barrel. Fig. 25 is a sectional plan view at the juncture of tllii e rear i 26 is a detail sectional view illustrating r nore particularly the mechanism for locking the end of the barrel to the stock when the firearm is folded.

Similar characters of reference are employed to indicate corresponding parts throughout the several figures of the drawmgs.

The main parts of the firearm comprise in general a stock A, a frame B, a ma azine C, a barrel D, and fore-stock E, the stoc and barrel being generally of the contour of similar weapons in ordinary use.

In firearms of the class in ordinary use the barrel may be separated from the stock and frame for convenience in transportation; but to accomplish this the parts are entirely separated, and before the weapon can be used they must be reunited, this in some cases requiring tools. In the present invention the parts are so arranged that the barrel at all times is connected to the frame, there being a pivotal connection between the forward end of the frame and the'rear end of the fore-stock at a point adjacent to the breech end of the barrel and the barrel being so arranged as to permit of tilting movement until its muzzle end is adjacent to the shoulder end of the stock. In the extreme end of the barrel is a notch or recess 1, adapted to receive the lower end 2 of a pivotally-mounted springpressed catch 3, the upper end of which is arranged within a recess 4 at the shoulder end of the stock, but normally is concealed from view, so that it will not prove inconvenient when the weapon is fired. This catch en gages in the notch and holds the firearm in its olded position, as shown in Fig. 2, and to release the members it is merely necessary to depress the upper end of the catch and permit outward swinging movement of the barrel.

At the forward end of the frame B is a pair of downwardly-projecting ears or lugs 5, between which is pivoted a lug 6, Fig. 18, that is secured to or forms a part of a reinforcing breech-piece 7, secured to the breech end of the barrel, and at this pivot-point the rear end of the fore-stock E terminates.

The breech-piece is provided with a depending lug 8, having at its forward edge a recess 9 for the reception of a locking-bolt 10, that is slidably mounted in a groove 1 1, formed in the cheek-pieces of the frame, said lockingbolt being in the form of a flat bar or strip that normally is pressed to the rear by a coiled compression-spring 12 seated in a recess in the frame.

The cheek-plates of the frame are provided with bearings for the reception of atransversely-extending spindle 13, from an intermediate portion of which depends a lug or tongue 14, fitting within a groove or recess 15, formed in the locking-bolt. That end of the spindle to the right of the firearm is provided at a pointoutside the frame with a thumb-lever 16, which may be de ressed in order to partly revolve the spin le 13 and force the lu or tongue 14 to turn downward andforwar and thus force the locking-bolt 10 in the direction of the muzzle end of the gun, the bolt being thus moved from engagement with the recess 9 of the breech-piece and permitting the breaking of the firearm or for the folding of the weapon for transportation. Immediately below the locking-bolt 10 is a pivotally-mounted spring pressed catch 17, normally moved upward by its spring and serving when the locking-bolt is moved fully forward to engage the rear end of the bolt and retain the same in the position to which it has been adjusted. The rear end of the catch when in bolt-enga ing position is exposed to the action of the Iower forward edge of the lug 8 as the barrel is moved downward in firing position, and in the operation of this portion of the mechanism downward movement of the breech end of the barrel will cause the forward slightly-inclined face of the lug 8 to engage said catch and when the recess 9 finally arrives in a position opposite the bolt the latter will enter the recess and lock the barrel in readiness for firing, the locking being thus automatically accomplished without the necessity of any extra or additional locking movement.

In using the weapon for single loading and firing it becomes necessary to limit the breaking movement, so that the barrel will not be permitted to swing over, but will be held at a convenient angle for the insertion of a cartridge. For this purpose the lug 6 of the breech-piece is provided with a projecting lug or tongue 20, that engages a transverse bolt 21, extending through the cheek-pieces of the frame. The right-hand end of the bolt 21 is provided with a milled or knurled knob 22, and its left-hand end is threaded and is received in a correspondingly-threaded opening in the left-hand end of the cheekplate. The threaded end of the bolt is provided with a threaded opening for the reception of a screw 24, that extends through an expansible collar 25, having a tongued-and-grooved connection with the end of the bolt 23, and when the screw 24 is turned home the collar 25 is slightly expanded and limits the unscrewing movement of the bolt 21, the expansible collar coming into engagement with the wall of an opening through which the bolt extends, so that said bolt cannot be wholly removed unless the screw 24 and collar are first removed. At a point intermediate of the length of the bolt is a recess 26, through which the lug 20 may pass when the barrel is being brought to folded position, but under normal conditionsthat is to say, when the gun is being used either for single firing or for magazine firing-the bolt 21 is turned home and the enlarged portion or main body of the bolt is in alinement with the lug 20, so that the latter will engage with the bolt when the barrel has reached the position shown in dotted lines in Fig. 1 and prevent further movement of the barrel, the latter being held at a convenient angle for the insertion of a single cartridge into the breech end. When the firearm is to be folded for transportation, the bolt 21 is turned outward until the recess 26 is in transverse alinement with the lug 20 and the latter can then pass through the recess and permit the barrel to swing to a position approximately parallel with the frame and stock or to the position shown in full lines in Fig. 2. To accomplish the folding of the gun, therefore, it is merely necessary to slightly turn the bolt without wholly removing the same, and the parts thus remain wholly connected and readjustment in position for firing may be quickly and readily accomplished without the aid of tools.

The several parts of the firearm are so constructed as to permit of convenient dismemberment without the aid of tools.

The two cheek-plates 28 and 29 of the frame are secured to the stock and near their rear ends are spaced to receive a lock the construction of which is best shown in Fig. 11. The lock includes a frame 30 and trigger-plate 31, these two serving as supports for all of the movable parts. At the rear end of the trigger-plate is a recess 32 for the reception of a slidable catch 33, carried by the frame and having a serrated thumb-piece 34, by which it may be conveniently withdrawn from the recess in order to permit the movement of the lock. Near the forward end of the frame 30 is an opening 33 for the passage of a transverse bolt 34, having at the righthand end a milled or knurled knob 35, the left-hand end being threaded and adapted to a correspondingly-threaded opening in the cheek-plate of the frame. When this bolt is removed and the catch withdrawn, the lock as a whole may be readily drawn down from the lower portion of the frame.

The frame of the lock includes a pair of spaced plates 36, having bearings for the re ception of a transverse hammer-pivot 37, to which is secured a hammer 38. This hammer has a slightly inclined or rounded for-.

ward face 39, which is engaged by the breechblock and automatically cooked in the man ner hereinafter described when firing from the magazine; but for single loading and firing the right-hand end of the hammer-pivot is provided with a thumb-lever 40, by which the hammer may be cooked. On the rear face of the hammer is a shoulder 41, with which engages a sear 42, pivoted on a searpin 43. The rear end of the sear iscontinued in the form of an arm 43 and at its extreme rear end is bent to form a transverselyextending arm 44, with which may engage a shouldered pin 45, carried by a trigger 46. The trigger 46 is pivoted on a pin 47, passing through the trigger-plate, and comprises generally a substantially U-shaped member having push and pull arms 48 and 49, the latter arm being engaged and pulled by the finger in the usual manner when the weapon is to be fired. In the upper portion of the trigger is a recess for the receptionof a shouldered pin 45, the projecting end of the latter having an inclined face 50 and being held projected by a spring 51, seated within the recess, while outward movement of the pin is limited by a transverse stop-pin 52. The trigger is further provided with a finger 53, which serves in the manner hereinafter described to effect unlocking of the breech-block after the latter has been forced to the rear by the recoil. The shouldered pin 45 engages the arm 44 of the sear, and if the shoulder of the pin is under the arm when the trigger is pulled the sear will be released, and the hammer will be forced forward against the firing-pin by its spring 55. If the pin is not under the arm 44, the pull on the trigger will not result in any movement even if the hammer is cocked, and

it therefore becomes necessary before any firing movement can be accomplished to push on the arm 48 of the trigger, and thus rock the latter until the inclined end 50 of the pin rides down under the arm 44 in position to elevate said arm and move the sear from engagement with the hammer. This construction therefore renders it absolutely necessary for the operator to push the trigger forward in order to unlock the breech-block before the firing pull on the trigger.

The plates 36 of the look further carry a breech-locking lever 56, that preferably is pivoted on a rounded portion of the hammerpivot 37. At the rear end of the breechblock-locking lever 56 is a shoulder 57 to engage the breech-block and hold it to the rear, and from this lever extends an arm 58, having a laterally-extending portion 59 arranged under the arm 53 of the trigger, so that when the latter is pushed forward the arm 53 will engage arm 59 and will pull the lever 56 downward until the shoulder 57 is disengaged from the breech-block, as will more fully hereinafter appear. Within the frame is a breech-block 60, having reciprocating movement toward and from the breech end of the barrel. The construction of this block is illustrated more clearly in Figs. 3, 5, and 13, and when occasion requires it may be removed through an opening at the right-hand side of the frame by first removing a small cover-plate 61, that has at its rear end a recess to receive a tongue 62, carried by the frame, the forward end of the cover-plate being held in position by a screw 63.

The breech-block is of generally rectangular form, and in its upper surface 15 a longitudinal slot for the reception of a firing-pin 66, the latter being in the form of a flat bar pointed at one end to engage the primer of the cartridge, and this pointed end being normally held retracted by a coiled compression-spring 67, while the rear end of the firing-pin is in position to be engaged by the hammer. The limit of movement of the firingin is fixed by a transverse pin 68, ex ten 'ng across the slot. At the right of the block is a slot 69, in which is a pivotallymounted extractor 70, having a hooked end portion adapted to engage with the rear of the cartridge and withdraw the same, the operation being at first aided by an ejector 72 at the breech end of the barrel. The empty shell so withdrawn is carried rearward by the breech-block as it moves backward under the recoil until the left side of the rim of the shell engages a fixed shoulder 73, Fig. 7, and the shell is then abruptly turned and forced outward through a side opening 74, the lower wall of this opening belng extended outward, forming a shelf or guard 76 for the protection of the erson firing the gun, so that there will be litt e or no danger from back-firing.

The projection 7 3 which throws the shell outward, forms a part of a horizontallydis= posed rib 77, projecting inward from the cheek-plate at the left of the frame, and this rib serves in art as a guide and support for the breech-b ock, the latter being provided at the left side with a longitudinally-disposed groove 80, into which the rib is received. The lower portion of the rib 77 is provided with a groove 82 for the reception of a halfround or inclined pin 83, projecting laterally from a cartridge-engaging finger 84, that is pivotally mounted within a slot in the lower face of the breech-block, said finger being normally depressed so that its lower forward edge will be in position to engage successive cartridges in the magazine and force the same into firing position in the breechend of the barrel on the forward movement of the breech-block. The rear portion of the groove is slightly inclined, there being a tapered shoulder or cam 86 at the entrance of the groove, with which the rounded pin 83 engages, and this results in the raising of the cartridge-engaging finger 84 as the breechblock travels forward. The forward end of the finger 84 is approximately T-shaped in transverse section, its lower web 87 fitting a small groove in the standing breech 90, and when the block is in firing position the finger forms, in effect, a portion of the front face of the block. A portion of the left side of the breech-block is cut away to form two shoulders 92 and 93, the forward shoulder 92 being slightly rounded or inclined, while the latter at the rear end of the breech-block is abrupt, and these shoulders form a portion of the locking means whereby the breech-block is locked in firing position. When at the limit of rearward movement, the shoulder 92 is engaged by the shoulder 57 of the locking-lever 56, Fig. 6, and to unlock the breech-block it becomes necessary to throw the trigger forward and cause the arm 53 to engage the arm 59, and thus lower the lever 56 from engagement with the shoulder 92.

From the left side of the breech-block projects a lug 94, this lug extending through an elongated slot 95, which forms a guide for the lug, and to the extended portion of the lug is secured one end of a substantially rectangular bar 96, the forward end of which has a spring-pressed lug 97, the spring serving as a means for restoring the breech-block to firing position. I

Secured to the left side of the frame is a casing 98, substantially U-shaped in crosssection and carrying a coiled compressionspring 99, one end of which bears against the rear end of the casing and the opposite end against the lug 97 the spring at all times tending to move the breech-block forward to firing position. In order to retain the spring within the casing when the latter is detached, said casing is provided with a pair of inturned ribs or flanges 99 and the spring will thus be retained in place and during the operation of the gun will be held from movingout of alinement. During the rearward movement of the breech-block under the impulses of the recoil the spring is compressed to such an extent that after the breech-block is unlocked by forward movement of the trigger it will have sufiicient energy to again move the breech-block forward to firing position, the breech-block carrying with it a cartridge which is inserted in the breech end of the gun,

the block being then automatically locked in readiness for firing.

At theouter face of the left cheek-plate is a breech-block-locking lever 100, secured to the non-circular end of the transverse pivotpin 101, which extends across the frame. To an intermediate non-circular portion of the pin is secured a strong spring 102, extending to the interior of the stock. This lever has a projecting lug 103, extending through a slot 104 in the cheek-plate to the interior of the frame, and the outer portion of the lever has a thumb-piece 105, by which the lever may be moved up and down with the pivot-pin 101 as a center and locked in elevated or depressed position by a small spring-catch 106, the forward end of which engages recessesin the cheek-plate. The lug 103 has an upwardly-proj ecting portion forming a rounded shoulder105 and an abrupt shoulder 106, both of which serve to engage with the breechblock. When the breech-block isin firing position and the lever 100 is in its depressed position, the shoulder 105 is engaging the rear shoulder 93 of the block and holds the same forward, so as to prevent abrupt rearward movement of the breech-block; but the inclined face of the shoulder is such that backward pressure due to the recoil will cause the breech-block to force the lever down to a slight extent, and then the breechblock is free to move to the rear until its shoulder 92 is engaged by the shoulder '57 of the locking-lever 56. When the breechblock is moving forward under the influence of the spring 99, the rounded or inclined shoulder 92 will engage the abrupt shoulder 106 of the locking-lever, and this will tend to retard or check the abrupt forward movement, and thus prevent danger of explosion of the cartridge as the latter is being forced into the breech end of the barrel, although the engagement of the two shoulders is not sufficient to wholly check this forward movement. Should it be desired to operate the gun without using the cartridges in the magazine, the spring-catch 106 is depressed and the locking-lever is moved upward until the shoulder 105 engages the rear end of the breech-block and rigidly locks said breech-block, so that it cannot move to the rear under the impulse of the recoil, the breech-block remaining in position and forming a part of the standing breech during single loading and firing.

The magazine is of the construction best shown in Fig. 12 and includes a casing 110111 the form of a tapering cylinder within'which is a cartridge-carrier 111, the one shown in the present instance being adapted to hold five cartridges, although the number maybe increased to any desired extent.

The cartridge-carrier is mounted on a spindle 112, having at one end a non-circular head 113, that fits within a corresponding opening 114, formed'in the forward end of the lock-frame, and the opposite end of the spindle fits within a-suitable opening formed in the frame proper, the construction being such that when the lock is pulled outfrom the frame the magazine as a whole may be removed and dismounted from the firearm. At points near the opposite ends of the spindle are enlarged collars 115 and 116, and on the reduced portion of the spindle between these collars 1s a coiled spring 117, one end of which is secured in a recess formedin the collar 115. The opposite end of the spring is bent out in a radial line to engage a slotted recess 118, formed in the cartridge-carrier 111, and this spring normally tends to revolve the cartridge-carrier in a direction contra-clockwise looking from thes'tock toward themuzzle of the firearm.

The carrier includes a central tube 120, the bore of which fits and revolves on the two collars 115 and 116. The outer surface of the tube is provided with as many fiat sides as there are cartridges to be carried, and in the present instance the tube assumes the form of a pentagon. To each of the flat sides is secured a cartridge-pocket 12 1. Each pocket includes a pair of tapered wings 122 and a pair of lugs or ears 123, the whole following approximately the contour'of theoartridge. The rear edges of the wings are provided with rounded or inclined heads 124 for tridges, and the cartridge-feeding finger '84 engages the cartridge and forces the same in the direction of the breech end of the gun,.tl1e rims of the cartridges being caught by the shoulders 124 and the cartridges elevated to a position approximately in a'linement with the bore of the barrel.

provided at its small end with a fixed disk 125, through which extends the collar 115, the collar thus forming a bearing for the forward end of the cylinder. The rear end of the cylinder is formed by a disk 127, which in the present instance is provided with a number of radially-projecting lugs 128, that fit within corresponding recesses 129, formed in the rear edge of the cylinder. This disk has an opening for the reception of a collar 1 116, so that the cylinder will be free for a engagement with the rim portions of the car- The tapering casing 110 of the magazine is revoluble movement independent of the car-' tridge-carrier.

The cylinder is provided at the top witha longitudinal slot 130, extending for its entire length to permit the passage of the cartridgefeeding finger 84, and the edge of the disk 127 is provided with a corresponding slot 131. The disk-125 at the forward end of the cylinder has a notch 133, the wall of which inclines upward, so that by engagement with the projectile of the cartridge it may elevate said cartridge and assist in guiding the latter in position within the barrel. This cylinder is provided with a pair of spring-fingers 135 for en gaging the successive wings 122, and the longer of the fingers engages an elongated win-g 122, forming a part of the final pocket of the series, so that it will be impossible to turn the-cartridge-carrier more than a single revolution at each recharging operation.

The inner face of the disk 127 is provided with a circular recess 136, Fig. 15, in which is received a ratchet-Wheel 137, having teeth of a numb er corresponding to the number of car-.

tridge-pockets, and with these teeth engages a tooth 138, carried by a spring 139, that is secured to the outer or rear face of the disk 127, the tooth extending from the spring through a suitable openin 140 in the disk in order to engage the teeth 0 the ratchet-wheel.

The spring 139 rests between the two cheekplates of the frame, one of them being in contact with the end of the spring, as shown by dotted lines in Fig. 16, and in effecting feeding movement from the magazine it is necessary for the operator to grasp the cylinder, which is provided with a serrated or reinforcing face 141, and partly turn the cylinder, so that the end of the spring will be forced against the cheek-plate of the frame, and the tooth 138 will be moved out of engagement with the ratchet-wheel 137, whereupon the spring 117, which has previously been placed under tension during the movement of the magazine, will turn the cartridge-carrier to resent a fresh cartridge-pocket in the vertica plane of the bore and in position where the cartridge will be engaged by finger 84 on the forward movement of the breech-block. At the left side of the frame is a pocket 150 for the re ception of a spring-pressed locking-pin 151, having a serrated knob 152 to facilitate the withdrawal of the pin when necessary. This pin 151 normally engages a recess 153, formed in the rear face of the disk 127; but when the magazine is to be replenished the pin is withdrawn and the cylinder is turned to the right until its slot 130 is exposed at one side of the frame, and then cartridges may be inserted one by one into the several pockets, the carrier being turned to the extent of one pocket by hand as each of the cartridges is placed in position. This places the spring 117 under tension, so that when the carrier is released by the tension-tooth the spring will revolve the carrier in the opposite direction and present successive cartridges in position for engagement by the breech-block. The rocking movement necessary to release the tooth 138 is very slight, and there is sufficient play between the pin 151 and the indentation or recess 153 to permit this movement.

In using the gun the magazine is first loaded by pushing back thelocking-pin 151 and turning the inclosing cylinder of the magazine to the right until the slot 130 in the cylinder is exposed at the right of the frame. The cartridges are then inserted one by one in the pockets until all of the pockets have been filled, after which the cylinder is revolved in reverse direction until the pin 151 again engages the recess 153. The firearm may then be broken, the barrel moving to dotted-line position in Fig. 1, and another cartridge inserted in the breech end of the barrel, after which the barrel is closed, and the cartridge in the barrel is exploded by first cooking the hammer by means of the thumb-lever 40 and operating on the trigger. If it is desired to use the magazine, the breech-block-locking lever 100 is allowed to remain in the lowermost position, (shown in full lines in Fig. 8,) and at this time the shoulder 105 of the locking-lever will be held in engagement with the shoulder 93 of the breech-block. After the cartridge has been fired the recoil is sufficient to ride the shoulder 93 over the inclined and rounded shoulder 105, depressing the same and the breech-block moving to the rear until its shoulder 92is engagedby the shoulder 57 of the locking-lever 56. During the rearward movement of the breech-block the extractor pulls the empty shell from the breech end of the gun and carries it back toward the stock and lock until the shell engages the shoulder 73, and the shell is then thrown outward through the opening 74. The rearward movement of the breech-block further causes cooking of the hammer, the sear engaging with the shoulder 41, as previously described. The push member 48 of the trigger is then forced forward, and arm 53 of the trigger engages the arm 59 and pulls the shoulder 57 down out of engagement with the shoulder 92 of the breech-block, allowing the latter to go forward as the spring99 expands. Durmg this forward movement the rounded shoulder 92 of the breech-block engages the shoulder 106 of the locking-lever, and the forward movement of the breech-block is retarded; but the spring is suificiently strong to force it past the shoulder 106. The projecting pin 83 of the cartridge-engaging finger 84 will nowengage with the groove below the rib 77 at the same time the finger engages the cartridge, and as the cartridge is moved forward its rim portion rides up the rounded elevated in position in alinement with the bore of the gun, and as forward movement is continued the finger is elevated farther and farther, and finally exercises an al-.

most direct push in forcing the cartridge to firing position. When the breechblock reaches the firing position, the locking-lever 100 moves up until the shoulder 105 is again to the rear of the shoulder 93. The operator may then pull the trigger member 49 and release the hammer, the latter moving against the rear end of the firingpin, and thus causing the explosion of the cartridge, whereupon the same movement takes place as before described. The operator will then grasp the cylinder of the magazine and move the same slightly to the left, so as to bring the end of the spring 139 against the cheek-plate at the left side of the frame, causing the tooth 138 to move from engagement with one of the teeth of the ratchet-wheel 137. The spring of the cartridge-carrier then revolves the latter until the next tooth is engaged by the spring-carried tooth 138 and another cartridge is in position to be engaged on the next forward movement of the breech-block. During magazine-firing the left hand of the operator may grasp the cylinder of the magazine instead of the fore-stock, the point of bal ance or center of gravity of the firearm being approximately at the forward end of the magazine.

For single loading and firing the lockinglever 100 is pushed up until the shoulder 105 is more fully in enga ement with the shoulder 93 of the breech-blbck, and the latter then remains in its full forward position, so that its front end forms practically a part of the standing breech. The gun may then be broken in the usual manner and the cartridges inserted by hand and fired, the ejector 72 operating to remove or to loosen the shells after the firing operation.

When it is desired to fold the gun for transportation, the bolt 21 is unscrewed until the recess 26 is in alinement with the lug 20, whereupon the barrel may be folded down to a position approximately parallel With the frame and stock and the weapon packed in a trunk or case with all of its parts connected, so that it may be instantly available for use.

Having thus described the invention, what is claimed is v 1. In a firearm, a recoil-actuated breechblock, and an adjustable spring-pressed member serving as a lock for holding the breech-block in firing position, there being a cam-surface between the block and said memher to permit the block to pass beyond the same, and means for holding said member in adjusted position.

2. The combination with a recoil-actuated breech-block, of a pivotally-mounted lever having at one end a rounded shoulder for en- .gaging and offering resistance to the movement of the breech-block. 1

3. In a firearm, a recoil-actuated breechblock, a pivotally-mounted spring-pressed lever having a cam-shoulder for offering resist- .block, and means for adjusting said lever to form a positive locking means for said breechblock.

5. The combination in a firearm, of a recoil-actuated breechblock, a pivotallymounted spring-pressed lever serving in one position to offer resistance to the movement of the block, and in another position to positively lock said breech-block, and means for holding said lever in either position of adjustment.

6. The combination in a firearm, of a recoil-actuated breech-block, a pivotally' mounted lever having a cam-shoulderfor engaging and offering resistance to the movement of the block, such lever being adjustable to move said cam-shoulder into locking engagement with the block, and a springpressed locking-catch carried by the lever and serving to hold the same in adjusted po sition.

7. In a firearm, a recoil-actuated breechblock, a lever for engaging and holding the same in its rearmost position, a hammer, a sear, the hammer being automatically cocked on rearward movement of the breech-block, a trigger having finger-actuated push and pull members, and provided with means for engaging and moving the lever to release positlon, a spring-pressed pin carried by the trigger, and an arm projecting from the sear and with which said pin engages.

8. The combination in a firearm, of a recoil-actuated breech-block, a lever for engaging and holding the same in the rearmost position, a hammer with which the breechblock en ages, a sear for holding the hammer in cocke position, a trigger having fingeractuated means for moving the lever to release position, and means for engaging the sear and trigger, said means being held in inoperative position until the release of the lever.

9. The combination with a firearm, of a breech-block, a lever for holding the same in the rearmost position, a hammer automatically cocked by rearward movement of the breech-block, a sear for engaging said hammer, a trigger having finger-actuated push and pull arms, an arm carried by the trigger and in engagement with the lever, and a spring-pressed pin carried by the trigger and automatically engaging with the sear after the operation of the push member of the trigger to release the breech-block.

10. The combination in a firearm, of a breech-block, means for locking the same in the rearmost position, a hammer movable to cocked position by the breech-block, an inverted-U-shaped trigger having fingeractuated push and pull arms, a sear for holding the hammer in position, interenga ing arms on the locking-lever and trigger, an a springpressed pin carried by the trigger and adapted to engage the sear, said pin having an inclined face to permit its riding below the sear.

1 1. The combination with a recoil-actuated breech-block, of a spring placed under stress by rearward movement of the block and serving as a means for returning the block to firing position, and means for retarding movement of the block in both directions.

12. The combination with a recoil-operated breech-block, of a spring placed under stress by rearward movement of the block and serving to return the block to firing position, and a pivot ally mounted spring pressed lever having shoulders for engaging and retarding movement of the breech-block in both directions.

13. The combination with a recoil-actuated breech-block, of a spring placed under stress by rearward movement of the block and serving to return the block to firing. position, a pivotal1y-mounted spring-pressed lever carried by the frame and having a shouldered end portion projecting through an opening in the frame and with which the breech-block engages on both forward and rearward movement.

14. The combination with a recoil-actuated breech-block, of a spring placed under stress during rearward movement of the block and serving to restore said block to firing position, a trigger-controlled means for locking the block in its rearmost position, when the sprin is compressed, and a forwardly-movable nger-actuated member on said trigger for releasing the block.

15. The combination with a recoil-actuated breech-block, of a spring placed under stress during rearward movement of the block and serving to return the block to firing position, a trigger controlled means for locking the block in its rearmost position, and means for engaging and retarding movement of the block in both directions.

16. The combination with a recoil-actuated breech-block, of a slotted frame, a detachable spring-casing at one side of the frame, a spring disposed within the casing and serving to return the breech-blockto firing position, an inwardly-projecting lug or flange forming a part of said casing and serving as spring guides or retainers.

17. The combination with a slotted frame,

of a recoil-actuated breech-block, a lug or pin carried thereby and extending through the slot, a detachable spring-casing covering the slot, a spring disposed within the casing,'

and an arm connected at one end to the lug and provided at its oppositeend with a proj ecting lug entering the casing and with which one end of the spring engages.

18. The combination with a slidable breech-block, of a revoluble cartridge-carrier disposed below the path of movement of the breech-block, an arm carried by the breechblock and adapted to engage a cartridge on the carrier, and means for elevating the cartridge and the arm during forward movement of the breech-block.

19. The combination with a slidable breech-block, of a revoluble cartridge-carrier, an arm supported by the breech-block and adapted to engage successive cartridges therein, and a cam for engaging said arm and elevating the same during forward movement of the block.

20. The combination with a slidable breech-block, of a revoluble cartridge-carrier, a pivotally-mounted arm engaging the cartridges, means carried by the frame for elevating the arm during forward movement of the breech-block, and means on the cartridge-carrier for elevating the cartridges during the loading movement.

21. The combination with a magazine, of a revoluble cartridge-carrier, a spring for operating the same, a ratchet-wheel secured to the carrier, a spring-held pawl engaging the ratchet-wheel and preventing rotative movement of the carrier, a fixed stop with which the spring of said pawl may be engaged to effect release of the pawl, and a magazinecasing operable manually to effect release of the pawl.

22. The combination with a revoluble cartridge-carrier, of a spring for rotating the carrier, said spring being placed under stress during the charging operation, a slotted casing for the carrier, a ratchet-wheel secured to the carrier, a spring mounted on the casing, a pawl or detent carried by the spring and engaging the teeth of the ratchet-wheel, said spring being movable into engagement with the frame of the gun when the casing is partly rotated.

23. The combination with a magazine-firearm, of a revoluble cartridge-carrier, a casing having a loading-slot and revoluble independently of the carrier, said slot being normally inclosed by the frame of the gun, and the casing being movable to present the slot to loading position outside the frame.

24. The combination with a magazine-firearm, of a cartridge-carrier, a casing, and a rigid spindle on which the carrier and the casing are independently revoluble.

25. The combination in a magazine-firearm, of a cartridge-carrier, a casing, a spindle on which the carrier and the casing are independently rotatable, and independent locking means for both the carrier and the spindle.

26. The combination in a magazine-gun, of a frame, a detachable lock supported by the frame, and a detachable magazine including a supporting-spindle, one end of which is carried by the frame and the other by the lock-casing.

27. In a breakdown gun, a barrel movable on its pivot to a position approximately parallel with the stock and frame, the muzzle end of the barrel being notched, and a springpressed catch carried by the stock and adapted to engage in said notch.

28. In a breakdown gun, a barrel, movable on its pivot to a position parallel with the stock and frame, and means for limiting the breaking movement to the usual loading position of a breakdown gun.

29. The combination in a breakdown gun, of a frame, a barrel pivoted to the frame, a lug carried by the barrel, and an adjustable recessed member mounted transversely of the frame and with which the lug engages to limit breaking movement of the barrel, the

recessed portion of the member being movable to a position opposite the lug thereby to permit folding of the barrel into parallel re o ation with the stock and frame.

30. The combination in a breakdown gun,

of a frame, a barrel having a pivot-lug for connection with the frame, a projecting lug or tooth carried by said lug, a transverselydisposed bolt having a recessed portion, which may be moved opposite the lug 'or tooth, and a collar carried by the bolt and serving to limit movement thereof.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing as my own I have hereto affixed my signature in the presence of two witnesses.

GEORGE W. GRUVER.

Witnesses:

J. T. COFFMAN, S. E. PHILLIPS. 

